Living as I do in the hinterlands, I'd never heard of Bash Back, a group formed just last year which is now getting national attention for disrupting services at a Michigan church over the weekend.I guess you could call Bash Back a queer anarchist group, based on its philosophy and tactics. Some members disguised themselves and entered the church service to launch their "attack"--which included glitter, banners and generally mocking the congregation. Now, if you're a nice church lady, this would seem horrifying. But the trickster in me loves it. Glitter as a weapon--how fabulous!
Bash Back also criticizes the majority of gay activists, claiming they are only assimilating and denying their culture rather than celebrating it. The group also speaks out on capitalism and other nice, middle-American values.
What do you think? Does wearing a hot pink keffiyeh on your head cross the line?
I used to be such a straight-laced, nice young man, but the older I get, the more I appreciate the in-your-face confrontation of groups like Bash Back. It doesn't appear anything violent occurred at the Michigan church, and I wouldn't advocate violence. But I do think that sometimes you have to really break through society's illusions in order to drive a point home. Scare the muggles a bit, you know? Tossing in a little chaos might be just what the doctor ordered.
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